Police in Bugiri District have arrested a 26-year-old untrained local caregiver for allegedly causing the death of a four-year-old child during a traditional uvula procedure.
The uvula is the small fleshy tissue that hangs at the back of the throat. It helps in swallowing and speech, and is part of the soft palate in the mouth.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha identified the suspect as Rachel Atikwi, a resident of Bukwaku-Nakavule Village in Nabukalu Sub-county, Bugiri District.
According to initial police findings, the child’s mother, Altronce Kamugisha, took the unwell minor to the alleged caregiver instead of seeking treatment from a recognised health facility.
‘On a local non-medical assessment, the caregiver claimed the child had a problem with the uvula [locally known as akanyata] and proceeded to cut it with a razor blade, causing severe bleeding. When the bleeding persisted, the child was rushed to Bugiri General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival,’ Kasadha said.
He noted that the incident was reported to police by the child’s mother, and investigations are ongoing.
‘We caution the public against using unqualified caregivers. It is advisable to seek medical care from recognised health facilities to prevent such tragedies,’ Kasadha cautioned.
He added that the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.